The Bystander Effect: Why Some People Act and Others Don't

When we wait for everyone to act, we just keep waiting. We want to believe if we see something, we will say something or do something. But the more people there are, the less likely we are to help someone in need. This social psychological phenomenon is called the “Bystander Effect.” Factors such as fear, ambiguity, affinity, and diffusion of responsibility determine whether a bystander acts. As an Attorney, bias and harassment trainer and a mom, Kelly Charles-Collins, shares everyday examples of the bystander effect and solutions for creating a Bystander Free Zone: Stand up, Speak up, Act up.